Hawaii's public school students are closing in on their pre-COVID test scores, a positive sign for families and teachers after years of learning setbacks.

• A new state Department of Education report shows students statewide are approaching proficiency levels last seen before the pandemic.
• Math scores keep improving, and language arts scores are rising steadily.
• The gains are statewide, not limited to a few districts.
• Several schools were singled out for their results, including Waimea High on Kauai.

Outlook: If the trend holds, Hawaii students should fully recover their pre-pandemic scores in the next round of testing.